Oak Island’s Town Council has approved a $33.5 million contract with Weeks Marine Inc. (WMI) to dredge sand for its central beach section. The decision, made during a special meeting on January 3, highlights the town’s dedication to addressing beach erosion and ensuring long-term coastal resilience.
Revised Dredging Plan to Meet Budget Constraints
Initially, Oak Island aimed to dredge 1.4 million cubic yards of sand, but WMI could not meet that volume within the town’s budget. To proceed, the council reduced the request to 1.1 million cubic yards. Although the original rate was $20 per cubic yard, WMI responded with an increased rate of $25 per cubic yard for the reduced volume.
Potential Legal Action Against WMI
Town Manager Kathryn Adams expressed cautious optimism that WMI would honor its original bid. However, Adams also confirmed discussions with Town Attorney Lydia Lyvelle about pursuing legal action if WMI declines the proposal. “We’ll have options,” she said. “I think we’re going to assume the vendors will honor their bid and move forward.”
Funding and Current Beach Renourishment Projects
Oak Island has a $40 million budget dedicated to beach renourishment, with $33.5 million allocated for offshore dredging. The town is managing three renourishment projects:
- Central Beach Project: The focus of the $33.5M contract.
- Lockwood Folly: Scheduled to start soon, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, delivering 65,000 cubic yards of sand to the west end of the island.
- East End Project: Delayed due to high dredging costs but expected to rebid in spring.
Challenges With Rising Dredging Costs
Limited Dredging Resources Nationwide
Adams pointed out that limited availability of large dredging companies has driven up costs. “A lot of beaches are dealing with this,” she said, highlighting a nationwide trend of rising expenses for coastal projects.
Concerns Over WMI’s Commitment
Council members voiced concerns about WMI’s willingness to honor its original bid. Councilman Mark Martin criticized WMI’s lack of flexibility, saying, “When we reduced the volume, their response was to increase the unit cost. That shows no willingness to negotiate.”
Councilman Bob Ciullo noted that WMI’s shift could reflect competing priorities. He warned of the risks of working with a “hostile vendor” but emphasized that the company could face reputational damage if it reneges on its proposal.
Options if WMI Rejects the Proposal
If WMI declines the revised offer, the town may need to rebid the project. Councilman Martin acknowledged that rebidding exposes the town to fluctuating dredging costs, saying, “You are betting on what the future looks like.”
State Support for Oak Island’s Coastal Protection
Oak Island received $20 million in matched state funding in November 2021 to support its renourishment efforts. The town has since partnered with Moffatt & Nichol, a Raleigh-based engineering firm, to meet regulatory requirements and secure leases for offshore dredging sites.
Timeline for Beach Renourishment Projects
The town aims to start offshore dredging between November 16, 2025, and April 30, 2026, in compliance with environmental restrictions for turtle nesting. The Army Corps of Engineers’ Lockwood Folly project is expected to begin soon, delivering immediate benefits to Oak Island’s west end.
Preserving Oak Island’s Beaches for the Future
As Oak Island navigates financial and logistical hurdles, its leadership remains focused on protecting its beaches and the local economy. Despite challenges, the town’s proactive measures, supported by state funding and expert guidance, aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of its coastal environment.